Although low levels of sexual satisfaction and low libido are often thought of as health concerns in their own right, these things rarely occur for no reason, but are more frequently a symptom of an underlying issue. If these underlying problems can be solved, or at least alleviated, then your sex life will likely rejuvenate as a result. Here are 10 of the most common medical concerns that can hurt your sex life.
1. Arthritis
The more severe your arthritis is, the more likely the symptoms will take a toll on your sex life. Over-the-counter painkiller medications can help with joint pain, but you should also talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition. You can make sex with arthritis more comfortable by adjusting your position frequently. Because people with arthritis should avoid high impact, repetitive motion, the partner that has this condition should be the physically passive partner during sex.
2. Asthma
Asthma can make it difficult to tolerate physical activity, especially physical activity of a long duration. You can make sex easier with asthma by avoiding having sex for too long, and possibly by choosing sexual positions that let you be the passive partner. These precautions will make sex less physically demanding. Furthermore, talk to your doctor about preventative asthma medications.
3. Back Problems
Back pain is extremely common. It could affect up to 80 percent of the population. Naturally, you should talk to your doctor if you experience back pain that is enough to hurt your sex life. This condition can be alleviated through medication, exercises and sometimes dietary supplements. More invasive or serious treatments are needed if your back pain is the result of an injury or spinal disorder. If you still experience residual back pain in spite of treatment, then it’s simply a matter of finding the most comfortable sexual position.
4. Depression
A lowered sex drive is a very common complaint among those with depression. In fact, more than 70 percent of people with depression report a decrease in sexual desire. Talk to your doctor to find a prescription antidepressant that works for you. Complimentary therapies for depression include regular exercise, meditation, getting plenty of sleep, light therapy, psychotherapy or counseling. Some dietary supplements are also shown to be effective for helping to maintain a healthy mood, but check with your doctor first to make sure a supplement doesn’t interact with your medication.
5. Heart Problems
It’s important to talk to your doctor about sex if you have heart problems. The physical stress of sex can worsen your condition. You may likely need to avoid sex if your condition is unstable or severe or if you’ve had a heart attack or heart failure.
6. Menopause
Although women of any age can report sexual dissatisfaction, it seems to be more common in middle-aged women. This is because hormone levels drop dramatically when a woman goes through menopause. This decline in hormones frequently leads to a decreased libido as well as vaginal dryness, which makes sex unpleasant. Estrogen therapy and personal lubricant are the go-to treatments for sexual problems caused by menopause.
7. Migraines
Migraines are twice as common in women, as well as more severe. The severe pain of a migraine will definitely prevent you from getting in the mood. Over-the-counter painkillers are the usual choice of treatment, though people with severe migraines can get a preventative prescription. If you’ve taken medication but your headache still lingers, it may be a good idea to have sex anyway, as 61 percent of women experience at least a little bit of headache relief after sex.
8. Obesity
Obesity affects sex life in a wide variety of ways. Obesity often comes with poor body image, inability to handle the physical exertion of sex and an inability to achieve sexual positions. Obesity also increases the risk of other health problems, like diabetes and heart disease, that cause further sexual problems. Reliable medical sources can give you helpful information on how to achieve realistic weight loss.
9. Pregnancy
Some pregnant women experience a huge increase in sexual desire during pregnancy. Others experience drastic fluctuations, and yet others may experience a steady decrease. There isn’t much to be done about pregnancy-related loss of libido; some natural supplements may help, just be sure to get your doctor’s approval first. Your baby bump will probably also mean you’ll need to find new positions that work for you.
10. Stress
Stress is being increasingly recognized as a real medical concern. Stress harms you psychologically and physically, increasing your risk of depression, anxiety, headache, insomnia, weight gain and heart disease. All of these things can harm your sexual satisfaction. Relieve stress the healthy way in order to have the best sex life possible. Herbal supplements containing maca, lavender or passion flower can soothe frazzled nerves and help your body to better deal with stress. Other great options for stress reduction include exercise, meditation, reading, listening to music, socializing, and, of course, sex!